It’s not just passion, but the power behind it that can make the difference. The power behind it fuels the passion which fuels motivation which yields results.

I had no idea when I lost my husband to skin cancer that I would one day be manufacturing sun umbrellas and sun hats. It was to some extent serendipitous finding the UV fabric which is where it all began, but the fact that I stuck to it like glue meant the seeds of power and passion were already there.

The task of developing the fabric into umbrellas and later hats was so daunting, nothing less than the power of passion could have accomplished it. I had no background and no training in manufacturing anything, let alone in China. I knew nothing about importing. I never heard of the term, ‘freight forwarder’ or F.O.B. or any of the numerous terms and functions that accompanied making these products.

The process could give the term ‘premature aging’ a whole new meaning. Learning something new every 3 seconds, however, turned out to be an extremely stimulating experience and at the end of the manufacturing journey, selling to customers, was the most satisfying.

When I received emails thanking me for making these products…from customers who had Lupus, or another medical issue, to people who were just going on a trip and wanted protection while they were sightseeing, all the challenges seemed worthwhile.

If something strikes you in a certain way and you think you want to carve out a path for yourself in a new profession or even hobby, look deep. You may find the power behind the passion behind it and enabling that to come forward may propel you to greater heights than you could have ever imagined.